One of my favorite things about paper projects is discovering what’s hidden once you start opening, flipping, and tucking things away. In this Tiny Tuesday episode, I share how to add multiple envelope tuck spots into one area without making the project bulky.
These ideas work beautifully in junk journals, folios, and memory keeping projects. You can use them anywhere you want interactive spaces for notes, tags, photos, or small stories.
Using Envelopes to Create Hidden Places
To begin, I start with a 5×7 envelope. This size works well because you can prepare it ahead of time and add it to a project later. I leave the flap open so I can attach it along the edge of a page as a tip-in.
As a result, the envelope immediately creates the first hidden place. Once attached, the page opens and reveals a tucked-away space inside.
Building Pockets and Layers
Next, I add a second small envelope. This time, I secure the flap and trim a narrow strip from one side. By doing this, I create an opening that clearly shows where the pocket begins.
Then, I glue the envelope on only three sides. This step is important because it turns the envelope into a functional pocket without adding bulk. You can leave the pocket long for tags or shorten it with an extra glue line on the back of this envelope before adhering it to the 5×7 envelope.
Adding a Simple Tuck Spot
After that, I add a decorative element to create a tuck spot. In this example, I use a small mailbox graphic. However, you can easily swap this for a label, photo, or embellishment that fits your project.
I glue the piece along one side and the bottom. Because of this, the top edge stays open and becomes another hidden place for slipping something inside.
Making a Tiny Envelope Insert
To finish, I show how to make a tiny envelope using a 3×3 piece of paper, which is the same size as a Post-it note. First, I fold the sides inward until they meet in the center.
Next, I fold the bottom and top with a slight overlap. Then, I trim the intersecting edges and round the corners for a clean, professional look.
Finally, I glue the sides while leaving the flap free. This creates a tiny envelope that fits perfectly inside one of the hidden pockets.
Five Hidden Places in One Area
By the end of this project, you have several places to tuck things away, all in one compact area:
- The back of the main envelope
- A pocket created by gluing on three sides
- A side-opening pocket
- A tuck spot made with a decorative element
- A tiny envelope that fits inside the project
Because these ideas are flexible, you can scale them up or down and adapt them to almost any paper project.
Watch the Tiny Tuesday Episode
If you want to see each step in action, you can watch the full Tiny Tuesday episode below:
Tiny projects like this make it easy to add interaction and surprise without overthinking the design. Once you start looking for hidden places, you’ll notice opportunities everywhere.
Cheers to YOUR Artful Adventures,
Kristie